Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to get the opportunity to talk again about these unfair energy costs. While I welcome the three €150 credits, this system is ridiculous. In the first place, the energy providers are allowed to overcharge and to charge what they like. This is what is happening and we are then trying to get a windfall tax off them. At present, what is happening with this €150 credit is that the Government is paying this with taxpayers' money and we do not even know how that is operating. Are the energy providers being paid for administering it? How long do they have it in their accounts? Somebody who has already paid will not get the €150 but will get the use of extra electricity that they use.

Every day since Bord na Móna was closed down, the cost of electricity has gone up in this country, and the Minister of State cannot deny it. We have the highest cost for electricity in Europe at 47.12 cent per kWh, including taxes, while the European average is 26.34 cent per kWh. However, where has the regulator gone? Where is the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan? There is no account of the regulator; he has gone missing and he does not want to know. At the same time the cost of energy is driving up the cost of living. The Government claims this €150 credit is to address the increase in the cost of living. However, why is it not stopped at source? Why not stop and ensure that people only pay a proper and reasonable price?

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